'Dirty John: the Betty Broderick Story' Season 2 Episode 5: Fans stand with Betty, slam Dan for being 'heartless'
Spoilers for 'Dirty John: The Betty Broderick Story' Season 2 Episode 5 'Scream Therapy'
Episode 5 of 'Dirty John: The Betty Broderick Story' was by far the most difficult episode to watch for most women in the audience. As Dan Broderick (Christian Slater) continues his ruthless methods of divorcing his wife Betty Broderick (Amanda Peet), he drives her more and more off the hinge - so much so that Betty loses all of her patience and ends up sabotaging her own case in court.
She makes numerous abusive phone calls to the Broderick household referring to Linda Kolkena (Rachel Keller) as a whore and calls Dan an 'a**hole', among other things. These phone calls are taped by Dan who intends to use it as evidence against his wife in court. He warns her against some behaviors and even fines her for some actions when all she seeks are some answers. He refuses to talk to her, let alone acknowledge her feelings.
Fans of the show and especially those sympathizing with Betty are infuriated by Dan. "I followed this case so closely, I've even read the books. Do I condone murder? Of course not. But Betty was gaslighted by Dan and the (redacted) for so long. She snapped. And yes, Betty was a pen-pal of mine for a while. Not ashamed of it. #BettyBroderick #DirtyJohn," tweeted a fan, who also regaled his followers with more stories of the real-life Betty.
Many viewers also realized the flaws of the judicial system that enabled Dan to get away with practically exploiting his spouse's entire life without giving anything in return. "The judicial system conspired with her husband to steal #bettybroderick’s money," tweeted another fan. "Not to mention her children, her self respect, her sense of family, and her identity. He was a heartless bastard #bettybroderick #dirtyjohn #Gaslighting," added one more.
"I'm convinced Dan never loved her - from financially supporting him in the beginning to the gaslighting to get rid of her - she was a means to and end and a reminder of his struggle #DirtyJohn #bettybroderick," tweeted a fan. With each passing episode, Betty might be making things worse for herself but fans have plenty to blame Dan for. "Its ok for me to f**k my 20 year old secretary while married and tell you you're crazy and lie about it, but use foul language and I'm fining you"-- Dan Broderick. What a f**king hypocritical pig. #DirtyJohn #BettyBroderick."
"Like how TF are you going to let a woman support your ass through med school AND law school, dedicate her life to raising YOUR kids and you want to leave her broke and in debt?" added another fan. This also called for accolades for both the actors. "Another night of #dirtyJohn and another night where I understand why #bettybroderick lost her shit. #christianslater deserves an Emmy for playing the biggest douche of 2020," tweeted a fan.
Halfway through the season now, Betty and Dan's divorce proceedings are bound to get uglier till it all comes crashing down for him and Linda.
'Dirty John: The Betty Broderick Story' airs Tuesdays at 10 pm on USA Network.